Special thanks to GoofyMomof4 for requesting this tutorial. This is part 2 of 2. Part 1 demonstrated adding the original color back in to a b&w. Part 2 introduces NEW color to a black & white photo.
Photoshop Tips II ~ Part 2 of 2: Adding NEW Color to B&W
I’m using Photoshop 9 (CS2) for the demonstration. Written instructions follow.
IMPORTANT: Opacity on Gradient Fill was reduced to 25%.
NOTE: Be sure your Photo Mode (Image, Adjust, Mode) is RGB.
SEPIA
In your open Layers Window, click on the circular icon which is half black/half white. Scroll down to Photo Filters.
These are your pre-set PhotoShop Photo Filter effects. Choose Sepia, and adjust the density to your liking.
To save this look, merge layers (flatten image), and save.
GRADIENT COLOR
The original photo is locked. In the Layers Window, drag the photo (named Background) to the Layers Icon (highlighted in red below), and repeat. You should now have 3 layers of the same photo.
Turn off (click on the eye) the locked layer and the top layer. Make sure your middle layer is selected in your Layers Window.
On your tool bar, select your colors.
Within your Color Picker window, your options are endless.
Once you have selected 2 colors, click on your Gradient Tool (it may be hiding behind your paint bucket).
I neglected to cover this step in the video, but lower your gradient opacity to 25%.
Holding your shift key down, draw a straight line with your mouse depressed, and release. The color will fill the entire image.
Turn on your top layer within your Layers Window (click on the box, and the eye will appear). Your image will now appear black & white. Make sure you have selected your top layer (lighted in blue below). You can use your Eraser Tool to remove the portions you would like to appear in color.
You can also use your Magic Wand tool – With your shift key depressed, tap the areas of the photo to select them.
Or use your Lasso tool – Depress your shift key and Lasso your selections. To remove portions for your selection, hold down your option key, and lasso the area which you’d like to remove.
When your selection area is complete, hit the delete key. You are now ready to Flatten Image (Layer, Flatten Image), and Save As to rename your completed photo.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions for the next tutorial.
Thanks for reading!
Tags: B&W, Black and White, CS2, gradient, how to, Photoshop, sepia, Tips, Video
